The Washington Center for the Performing Arts announces its 2026-27 season
Originally published on The JOLT News on June 17, 2026
Earlier this month, I was given the exclusive opportunity to chat with Washington Center for the Performing Arts Executive Director Jill Barnes and Marketing and Sales Director Tineke Raak about the 2026-27 season before information was released to the public.
Sitting in Barnes’ office, I eagerly listened as Barnes shared the story behind each season offering. The way that Barnes gets so excited and passionate about everything is both lovable and contagious, which is exactly what guests saw at the season preview event earlier this week.
When I went to write this column, I thought about how various events will stand out to each of us for different reasons. What excites me may not speak to you the same way, and not only is that OK, but it is one of the very reasons we have the center and why it is a crucial institution in our community.
Everyone needs fun, laughter, music, moments for contemplation, education, traditions and shows that turn classics upside down, and we are so lucky that everyone can find something at the center.
Personally, I look forward to learning from authors Amy Tan and Timothy Egan, listening to the Blind Boys of Alabama perform hits from the Stevie Wonder songbook, watching beauty and a celebration of nature unfold in the Compagnie Hervé Koubi dance performance of “Sol Invictus,” and discovering the incredible work being done by storm chaser Keith Ladzinski.
As someone with degrees in history and political science, I also cannot wait to honor Black History Month by watching the silent film, “The Flying Ace” (1926) — one of cinema's pioneering race films, and learn more about this significant chapter of film history.
I cannot wait to get a very personal view of history about topics like the beginnings of Alcoholics Anonymous from the play “Bill W. and Dr. Bob,” or of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt from a show the center co-commissioned called, “FDR’s Very Happy Hour.”
There are so many benefits to subscribing to the center, including discounted ticket prices and just the idea of anticipating, planning and putting something on the calendar to look forward to. Create your own subscription using the center’s website, and then comment below with what shows you are looking forward to.
Curious about everything the season holds? Read the season layout below!
Season layout
Silent Movie — “High Rise Hijinks”: Sept. 27 @ 2 p.m.
An Evening with Amy Tan: Oct. 7 @ 7:30 p.m.
Skerryvore: Oct. 9 @ 8 p.m.
Randy Rainbow: “National Freakin' Treasure”: Oct. 15 @ 7:30 p.m.
“FDR’s Very Happy Hour”: Nov. 5-6 @ 7:30 p.m., Nov. 7 @ 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Tig Notaro: “Out of Nowhere”: Nov. 13 @ 7:30 p.m.
Seattle International Comedy Competition: Nov. 19 @ 7:30 p.m.
“God Is A Scottish Drag Queen: A Christmas Special”: Dec. 4 @ 7:30 p.m.
Rick Steves: “Travel as a Political Act”: Jan. 8, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
Black Box Jazz — David Joyner and Nathan Breedlove: Jan. 15, 2027 @ 8 p.m.
Adventure Series — “Among Wild Predators” by Casey Anderson: Jan. 24 @ 3 p.m.
Comedy Underground — Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 28, Feb. 25, Mar. 25, Apr. 22, 2027
International Guitar Night: Jan. 31, 2027 @ 7 p.m.
“Treasure Island Reimagined: Jane Hawkins and the Pirate’s Gold” A Live-Action Graphic Novel: Feb. 3, 2027 @ 7 p.m.
Timothy Egan: Feb. 5, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
Compagnie Hervé Koubi “Sol Invictus”: Feb. 9, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
Black Box Jazz — Eugenie Jones: Feb. 19, 2027 @ 8 p.m.
Silent Movie —“The Flying Ace & The Music of Fats Waller”: Feb. 21, 2027 @ 2 p.m.
“Clue”: Live On Stage!: March 1, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
“The Ultimate Throwback Party” Dwayne Gretzky Live at the Center: March 6, 2027 @ 8 p.m.
Lightwire Theater’s “The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Gen”: March 12, 2027 @ 6 p.m.
Ladies of Laughter: March 19, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
Black Box Jazz — Cyrus Nabipoor: March 26, 2027 @ 8 p.m.
“BATSU!” live Japanese-American Comedy Game Show: March 27, 2027 @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Blind Boys of Alabama “Songs in the Key of Life”: April 1, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
Phat Cat Swinger: April 13, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
The Wellermen: April 16, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
“The Little Mermaid” Sing-Along: April 24, 2027, @ 1 p.m.
“Bill W. and Dr. Bob”: April 25, 2027 @ 4 p.m.
Adventure Series — “Forces of Nature” by Keith Ladzinski: April 29, 2027 @ 7 p.m.
MOMIX: “Botanica”: May 18, 2027 @ 7:30 p.m.
Black Box Jazz — Duende Libre Trio: May 21, 2027 @ 8 p.m.
“Waitress”: June 23 @ 8 p.m. and June 24, 2027 @ 7 p.m.
Create your own subscription using the center’s website.